Summer on the Wane

The locals tell us we’ve had an atypical summer this year, cooler and wetter than they’ve ever seen. We know nothing different, of course, but the weather is definitely changing, now with the days and nights getting much cooler. And our tomato plants are completely finished. (Sniff…)

We also just passed our one-year mark, so with the calendar moving along we’ve been trying to catch up on a few outdoor activities we’ve heard about but never found time for.

We recently went to Wenderholm Beach to collect sand dollars. Checking the tide tables to be sure we’d arrive when the tide was out, we spent a gorgeous morning walking the edge of the water. 

Bob Searching for Sand Dollars

 At first we thought we were going home empty-handed, but suddenly spotted one. And then another, and another. We finally came home with over 20.

Perfect and Beautiful

On the drive back we passed our very favorite New Zealand vista—at least so far.

Our Favorite Spot

 

Last weekend we went to One Tree Hill. We’d seen it on maps and were driving in the general area so decided to try to locate it. Bob saw a low hill with a single tree on it and thought that might be it, but it turns out the “One Tree” is an impressive stone needle set on the highest hill for miles around.  Silly us, looking for a tree! 

The Tree at One Tree Hill

Bob at the Base of the Tree

It was built as a monument to the achievements of the Maori people at the hilltop gravesite of Sir John Logan Campbell, first European settler of Auckland. Sir John’s trust still funds charitable causes and provided the immense and beautiful Cornwell Park surrounding One Tree Hill. Notice the tongue displays in the ornate carvings around the dedication plaque.

Dedication Plaque

On the other side of the monument, another plaque gives a brief history of the ancient Maori and names the traditional seven canoes the people first arrived in. A very important part of the identity of every Maori is the name of his/her ancestor’s canoe and the mountain sacred to his/her family. These are always identified in a formal recognition of someone. 

There was an uninterrupted 360-degree panoramic view from One Tree Hill. We could clearly see both oceans and it was stunning--even in the overcast weather that day.

Looking toward the Pacific side

View toward Auckland, the needle tower clearly visible

Looking toward the Tasman side